ICU Registered Nurse (RN)

General Information

We are seeking an experienced ICU Registered Nurse to join our mixed unit, consisting of 39 beds across MICU, SICU, CICU, and TICU.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of ICU experience (excluding travel experience) is preferred.
• 1.5 years of ICU experience may be considered with significant RN experience outside of ICU, pending approval.
• First-time travelers are not accepted; candidates must have completed at least one prior travel assignment.
• Candidates must reside more than 100 miles from any facility.
• Permanent staff must wait 1 year before returning as travelers.

Patient Types

The unit serves complex ICU patients with a variety of conditions including:

• Surgical
• Medical
• Cardiac (preferred)
• Neuro
• Trauma

Common diagnoses include ARDS, MI, CVA/TIA, COVID-19, post-cardiac cath, post-surgical, and trauma cases, particularly within a heavy trauma population.

Patient Ratios

Ratios are dependent on patient acuity, typically ranging from 1:1 to 1:2, with a rare 1:3 scenario.

Required Certifications

• BLS
• ACLS
• NIHSS
• TNCC (required); travelers must obtain this certification prior to arrival.

Required Education

Completion of a nursing program approved by a board of nursing is mandatory to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in South Dakota.

Skills Required

• Experience with electronic health records, specifically Epic.
• Ability to work a 48-hour work week; this is non-negotiable for the unit.
• Experience managing complex patient populations, including IV medications (vasopressors, sedation, paralytics), hemodynamic lines, proning, and ventilator management.
• Strong critical thinking, assessment skills, and comfort in high-paced settings.
• Preferred experience with Impella, IABP, and CRRT.
• Travelers should be prepared to describe instances where they exceeded expectations in their role.

Support on the Unit

• 1-2 Nurse Aides per unit and a mobility float aide.
• 2 Charge Nurses overseeing all ICUs.
• Phlebotomy available for peripheral blood draws.
• ICU CRNs manage all midline insertions.
• Resource Nurse available based on staffing needs.
• Respiratory Therapy is present 24/7.
• Coverage by 3 Intensivists during the day and 2 at night, with an Advanced Practice Provider at night.

Charting System

• Utilization of Epic for charting in the ICU.
• Current use of Alaris pumps, transitioning to Baxter Pumps by October.
• Omnicell for medication dispensing.

Floating

Floating is uncommon unless the unit is overstaffed; travelers may float to any adult floor, including Medsurg/Tele with a 1:4 ratio. Comfortability will be confirmed during the interview process.

Orientation

• Hospital orientation will include one 12-hour shift and one 8-hour shift in the ICU.

Scheduling

• Weekend rotation is every other weekend, but this is not guaranteed.
• No requests for time off during holidays.
• Approval for time off is limited to up to 7 days and must extend to accommodate a full 13-week contract.
• No requests for time off during the Sturgis Bike Rally (first 3 weeks in August each year